Jenna Kerkaert is a Strategic Account Manager at Nelson-Jameson.

As a Strategic Account Manager at Nelson-Jameson, Jenna's primary focus is building and nurturing deep, trust-based relationships with customers. She is dedicated to understanding their evolving needs and challenges, proactively engaging with key stakeholders to identify and develop strategic opportunities for growth and mutual success. Jenna’s goal is to position Nelson-Jameson as a valuable partner by crafting tailored solutions, navigating complex agreements, and advocating for her accounts internally, all while driving sales and fostering long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. She is a trusted strategic partner, immersing herself in customers' businesses to deeply understand their unique goals, challenges, and operational nuances. This allows proactive identification of opportunities where Nelson-Jameson's extensive resources and expertise can provide significant value.

Jenna's day-to-day functions include building strong, trusted relationships; proactively identifying needs and developing tailored solutions; delivering and optimizing value through Nelson-Jameson's offerings; advocating for customer needs, coordinating internally; and identifying and pursuing opportunities for mutual growth.

She began her career as an operator at the Davis Dairy Plant and Institute of Dairy Ingredient Processing. She chose a career in the dairy and food industry, starting with her education at South Dakota State University, because she deeply appreciated the vital role the food production sector plays in daily life. Growing up in the Midwest, she witnessed the dedication and innovation in the food production process and was drawn to contributing to an industry that provides essential nourishment to communities worldwide.

Her prior roles include Dairy Ingredients Associate, Production Supervisor, Quality and Lab Intern, Packaging Intern, and a role in Research & Development.

Jenna holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Dairy Manufacturing and minors in Food Safety and Human Resources from South Dakota State University. She also has a Better Process Control School (BPCS) certification from the University of Tennessee.